Foundations of Wesleyan Theology (CT9296B)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit provides students with a comprehensive study of the foundations of 18th century theological developments that gave rise to Wesleyan theology. It will introduce students to the antecedents of Wesleyan theology — from the early church to Arminius, and from Arminius to Wesley, noting the Eastern Orthodox, Anglican and Pietist influences. It will consider the key elements of Wesley’s ‘Quadrilateral’; the New Testament basis of the central doctrines of Wesley; the setting of Wesleyan theology within ecumenical theological thought and its developments to the present.

Unit code: CT9296B

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate the New Testament basis of Wesleyan theology and its development, in discussion, writing and/or preaching
2.

Outline the main ideas originating from John Wesley and those of major Wesleyan scholars
3.

Critically analyse source materials in Wesleyan studies
4.

Locate Wesleyan studies in its broad historical context as a discrete strand of theological thought
5.

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the major theological themes of Wesleyan theology and their significance for subsequent theological thought, including contemporary theological discussion
6.

Develop an in-depth critical engagement with an issue arising from Wesley's understanding of Christology, ecclesiology, or his Trinitarian hermeneutic

Unit sequence

24 points foundational CT

Pedagogy

Lectures (text and video), online tutorials, digital reading resources.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bird, Cliff. ‘“Oceanising” John Wesley? Toward an Ecological-Ethical Reading of John Wesley for Contemporary Oceanic Methodists,’ in Methodist Revolutions: Evangelical Engagements of Church and World, eds. Joerg Rieger and Upolu Lumā Vaai. Nashville: Wesley’s Foundry Books, 2022.
  • Collins. Kenneth J. The Theology of John Wesley: Holy Love and the Shape of Grace. Nashville: Abingdon,. 2007.
  • Heitzenrater. Richard P. Wesley and the People Called Methodists. Nashville: Abingdon, 1995.
  • Leclerc. Diane. Discovering Christian Holiness: The Heart of Wesleyan-Holiness Theology. Kansas City, MO: LiIlenas, 2011.
  • Maddox Randy. Responsible Grace: John Wesley's Practical Theology. Nashville: Abingdon, 1994.
  • Maddox, Randy, gen. ed. The Works of John Wesley. Nashville: Abingdon Press, ongoing.
  • O’Brien, Glen. John Wesley’s Political World. London and New York, Routledge, 2022.
  • Osinski, Keegan. Queering Wesley, Queering the Church. Eugene, OR: Cascade, 2019.
  • Outler, Albert C., ed. John Wesley. Library of Christian Classics. New York: Oxford University Press, 1980.
  • Stone. Bryan P, & Thomas J Oord. Thy Nature and Thy Name is Love: Wesleyan and Process Theologies in Dialogue. Sherbourne: Kingswood Books, 2001.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Critical Review 3500 50.0
Essay 3500 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 18 Aug, 2022

Unit record last updated: 2022-08-18 10:49:18 +1000